Author: Antonio Pachowko

In this article, we will be discussing how to grow the half-hardy annual climbing plant Cobaea in containers. Cobaea is a genus of flowering climbers that tend to grow rapidly. It is found to grow naturally in South American countries from Mexico to Peru. It is named after the Spanish Jesuit priest and naturalist Father Barnabe Coba. They can grow up to 3m in one season, where the alternate lobed, green leaves that occur in pairs are produced.  Along the stems, tendrils are produced that support the plants as it grows upwards.

From summer to early autumn, 7.5cm large, ball-shaped …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the unusual perennial of Chelone in containers. Chelone is a herbaceous perennial that is native to North America, where four species are known to exist. It gets its common name of turtlehead because the 2.5cm large flowers that look like turtleheads but, in fact, resemble more snapdragons are produced. Although the flower may look like snapdragons, it is more related to Penstemon rather than Antirrhinum.

The plant produces two-lipped, turtle head flowers that can be red, pink, or white and are produced over a mound of dark green leaves. The coarsely …

In this article, we will be discussing how to grow Lobularia in containers. This is a firm old favourite hardy annual that produces wonderful honey-scented, white flowers. It tends to be low maintenance, trouble-free and produces a profusion of flowers that mingle well with other bedding plants, either in containers or cascading over in hanging baskets.

It has the common name of Sweet Alyssum as the flowers have the most delightful scent. One of the beauty or annoyance of Lobularia is that it self-seeds easily, where it will even grow in cracks in the pavement. Great for those who want …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the large genus of Dianthus in containers. It has the common name of pinks or carnation, depending on what species and variety are grown. Dianthus is a large and varied species that include evergreen perennials, biennials and annuals. The common name of ‘Garden Pink’ arises because the scented flowers are all pink but because the flowers are serrated on the edges as if they have been trimmed with pinking shears.

The beloved cottage garden plant has been grown in gardens for centuries. The hardy perennial has pointed, evergreen grey-green leaves that …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the imposing, yet beautiful bulb of Cardiocrinum in Containers. Cardiocrinum is a bulbous plant belonging to the Liliaceae (the Lily) family and was first described in 1846. It is found growing in woodlands on the soil surface in china, Far East Russia, the Himalayas and Japan.  Once you see one in flower, you will not forget, especially if you grow the giant version.  In total, 3 species are known but the giant one is usually grown in the UK gardens.

Cardiocrinum giganteum is the main species. It can grow to 4m …